Scaffolding



March 22, 1.949 T, L, OOD 2,465,143

S CAFFOLDING Filed 00%. 14, 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 (/2 INVENTOR.

ahamas .ZI. wood A'ITOHNEYS March 22, 1949. T. L. WOOD 2,465,143

' SCAFFOLDING Filed Oct. 14, 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Y INVENTOR. T/wmas L.wood ATTORNEYS Patented Mar. 22, 1949 UNITED STATES PATENT GFFICE2,465,143 SCAEFOLDING Thomas L. Wood, .Winston-Salem, N. C. ApplicationOctober 14, 194.6, Serial No. 703,112

8 Claims; 1 This invention relates to scaifolding, and more particularlyto scaffolding'of the-kind in which a platform or board is carriedbyandis-adjust able vertically on one or more upright supportingvmembers.

Scaffolding embodying the inventionis-espe cially adapted for use indoingwork in which the workman conventionally employs either a ladder ora scaffolding individually. andspecially built for the particular job.Ladders are notoriously uncomfortable to stand on for pros longed workperiods. There have been instances of painters legs developing malignantbumps as a result of constantly leaning and rubbing; against the rungsof conventional ladders.

Scaffolding constructed specially for a particular job does not havethis disadvantage, but; for; obvious reasons, it cannot always bemadeand used economically.

An object of the present invention isto pro vide. a new and improvedscaffolding whichob viates the disadvantages of scaffolding known:heretofore, and which is easily and quickly adjustable for working atdifferent heights.

Another object of the invention is to. provide. a scaffolding includingupper and" lower plat? forms suspended by novel means on one :or moreupright supporting members.

Another object of the invention is. to' provide: a; construction of 1the 7 character stated in .which.

the lower platform is suspended from" holding; means secured to anupright supporting memberr: at alevel above the level of.holdingmeans.fromi which the upper platform is suspended.

A further object of theinvention is: to provide: a new and improved formof holding or clamping; means for supporting a scaffold. platforminadjusted position on an upright member. Other objects will becomeapparent from a reading of. the following description, theappendedclaims, and the accompanying drawings, in which;

Figure 1 is a front elevation of scafioldingembodying the invention inone form;

Figure 2 is a side-elevation. shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a detailed perspective.view'showinga holding device or clampin position on an up right supportin member;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary section. on the line l-4 of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a frontelevation of amodifiedform. of scafiolding embodyingthe invention;

Figure 6 is a side elevation of the shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a detailed perspective view oiia.

of. the scaifolding.

scaifoldinga either, although preferably on the upper plat-- modifiedform of holding device or clamp of the kind embodied in the constructionshown in Figs ures 5 and 6.

Figure 8 is a detailed vertical sectional View of the holding device orclamp shown in Figure- 7' associated with an upright supporting membershown fragmentarily; and

Figure 9 is a fragmentary detailed perspective viewof means fordetachably connecting parts shown in Figures 5 and 6.

Figures 1 to 4 show the invention embodied in.

a preferredform in a scaffolding including" a frame generally designatedA adapted to he In accordance with the invention, upper and:

lower platforms :iand 5 are suspended in vertically spaced relation fromeach other on the sup- For supporting the up-- per platform 4, there isprovided a pair of holding" porting members l-2.

or clamping devices generally designated 6 and 7, respectively. Theholding devices 6 and 1 are mounted for adjustment on the uprightmembers I and..2, respectively,.and are connected by suspension means,e. g., chains, to the platform 4.

In the form shown, there are four chains, two of which, designated. 8and 9, connect the device: 6 to the right end of the platform 4. Twoother chains H3 and H are connected between the holding. device I andthe left end of the platform l.

Thelower platform 5 is suspended from anupper. pair of holding orclamping devices l2 and I3, mounted for vertical adjustment respectivelyon the upright members I and 2 above the lower pair ofholding devices 6and i. The holding de-- vice i2 is connected to the lower platform 5 byflexible chains I E-and. I5 which extend upwardly from the. right end ofthe platform 5. Similarly,

the:holdingdevice [3 is connected to the left.

end of. theplatform 5 by chains [6 and H.

In use, theplatforms 4' and 5 may be positioned in superposedrelationship as shown in Figures 1 and 2 and the workman may stand onform 4, while working. As the work progresses, and it .is. desiredtoproceed to a-higher level, the workman, standin on theupper platform 4may.

easily reach the upper pair of holding devices l2 and I3 for adjustingthem, in a manner to be described, to a higher level, thereby elevatingthe lower platform 5. The workman then steps down to the platform 5 soas to be in position for easily reaching and adjusting the holdingdevices 6 and 1 to move the upper platform 4 to a new and higher level,after which work may be resumed. As the work is completed at eachsuccessive level, the same method of elevating the two platforms isrepeated. If the workman is painting, he may start with the platformsnear the top of the supporting frame and proceed downwardly.

The construction of the holding or clamping devices 6, I, I2, and I3 mayvary to some extent but generally stated it is preferred that they becharacterized by being easily adjustable to selected positions on theframe A. In the form shown in Figures 1 to 4, the holding devices are soconstructed as to be responsive to the weight of the suspended platformsfor squeezing or exerting a clamping action on the associated supportingmembers I and 2. Each of the devices 6, 1, l2, and I3 is of similarconstruction so that a description of one will suffice for a descriptionof all.

The holdin device 5 is formed in two parts, the first being a U-shapedpart I8 and the second a rockable part l9. The U-shaped part includeslegs 2ll-29 extending alongside the upright member l and a rearconnecting portion 2| extending across the back of the member I.

The rockable part l9 comprises a metallic plate formed at its upper endwith openings through which the legs 20 extend, nuts 22 screwed on theforwardly extending ends of the legs 29 connecting the parts I 8 and [9.The lower end of the rockable part i9 is formed with a hinge sleeve 23which receives for pivotal movement a rod 24, the ends 25 and 26 ofwhich project beyond opposite ends of the sleeve 23 and are turneddownwardly and provided with eyes for connection to the chains 8 and 9.Preferably, the rod end 25 extends somewhat forwardly and the rod end 26extends somewhat rearwardly, so that the respectively associated chains8 and 9 and rod portions 25 and 26 will extend substantially in straightlines from the axis of the hinge'sleeve 23 to the points of connectionof the chains 8 and 9 to the platform 4. The chains 8 and 9 may beconnected to the platform by means of eye bolts 29 and 30.

The lower platform 5 may be notched as shown;

at 32 in Figure 4 so as to allow the platform 5 to be positioned not toofar in front of the platform 4.

Between its upper and lower ends, the rockable part 19 is formed with afulcrum 32 which is offset toward the outer surface of the member I froma line joining the points of connection of the part l9 to the U-shapedpart l8 and to the rod 24. The arrangement is such that the platformweight exerted through the chains 8 and 9 and the rod 24 tends to rockthe part l9 counter clockwise about the fulcrum 32, which is inengagement with the front surface of the member I as shown in Figures 2and 3. Consequently, the U-shaped member I8 is drawn forwardly, causingthe cross piece 2| to engage the back surface of the member I while thefulcrum 32 is pressing against the front surface of the member I, so

that the clampin device 6 in its entirety is held in adjusted positionby a squeezing or clamping force.

When it is desired to change the level of the platform 4, the workmanwill stand upon the platform 5 and grasp the rockable parts IQ of theclamping devices 6 and l and swing them clockwise so as to relieve theclamping force. The devices 5 and 1, together with the suspension chainsand the platform 4, may then easily be moved upwardly along thesupporting members i and 2 to the desired new level. The holding devicesl2 and I3 together with the platform 5 and intervening suspension chainsmay be adjusted similarly while the workman is standing upon theplatform 4.

Figures 5 to 9, inclusive, show a modified arrangement in which twowidely spaced nearly upright supporting members 33-34 form part of aknock-down scaffolding frame. The members 33 and 34 are connected byhorizontal braces 35, 36, and 31, the two lower braces being connectedby a diagonal brace 38. Each end of each horizontal brace is connectedto an adjacent upright member by a device 39, one of which is shown indetail in Figure 9. The device 39 comprises a U-shaped strap 49connected to the right hand end of the horizontal brace 36, an anchor 4|secured to the upright member 33, and a clip 42 removably secured to theanchor 4| by a bolt 43.

Each end of the diagonal brace 38 is provided with a bolt 44 whichextends through a slot 45 in the associated horizontal brace, a nut 46being provided for locking the bolt 44 in adjusted position in the slot45.

It will be seen that the frame thus provided may easily be disassembledfor transportation and then set up quickly where the work is to beperformed. The lower ends of the supporting members 33 may be supportedin any suitable manner, and if desired, there may be a suitableconnection between the upper ends of the upright members and thestructure to be worked upon.

Upper and lower platforms 41 and 48 are suspended on the upright members33-34, one above the other, in relative positions similar to those ofthe platforms 4 and 5 described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Theupper platform 41 is suspended from a lower pair of holdin or clampingdevices 49 and 50, and the lower platform 48 is.

suspended from an upper pair of holding or clamping devices 5| and 52.In this embodiment of the invention, the means for suspending theplatforms from the holding devices comprises flexible straps of leather,webbing, or the like instead of the chains shown in Figures 1 to 4. Inthe modified construction, flexible straps 53, 54, 55, 56 suspend theupper platform 41 from the holding or clamping devices 49 and 50, andflexible straps 57, 58, 59, and 60 suspend the lower platform 48 fromthe upper pair of holding devices 5|, 52.

The platform 48 may be notched at its end similarly to the notching ofthe platform 5 shown in Figure 4.

The holding or clamping devices 49, 50, 5|, and 52 are of similarconstruction so that a description of one will suffice for descriptionsof all. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the holding device 49' in front ofthe block, and thence extend under tbesbloch attfifirandnupwardly ashortdistance behindzthevblocku, Az-platexb 8i secured toztheeblock.

611;.: by: screws holds. theclegs 6 l andlblooh-i 6.4:

assembledz-and. also. secures theupper ends-of: the flexible.strapss53e-5ll-zto the device 4191:.

The block 64 is formedjwith-a-fulcrumstarboatween-itssupperaand lowerends. The fulcrum is offset toward the upright member 33 from a linejoining the points -'of connection of the block to the: U..-shape,d.member and. to-sthe flexible straps.

The manner of using the scaffo1dingand-ad+- justing the positions of theplatforms shown in Figures 59-'-is'similar to the use of the scaffoldingand adjustment of the platformsshown in Figures If to, 4 already.described. The platfornr- 4;! rmay easily be adjusted to ahigher-position while-the workman isstanding on the platformldfl and,vicelversa, the platform 43 mayibeeadjusted: while therworkman isstanding on the-platformfi-i.

The illustrated embodimentsof. the invention and other embodiments,which will be apparent to those skilled inthe art, have distinctadvantatgessover conventional-.llad-ders and scaffolding known:heretofore. A workman using :myr improved scaifolding can raise or lowerone platform while standing on the other without having to stoop orstretch far above his head for manipulating the clamping or holdingdevices. Obtaining the advantages of my construction depends essentiallyupon the provision of an arrangement whereby the holding devices may besecured in adjusted position on the upright members and in such a Way asto be easily reached and released for making vertical adjustments. Thefriction clamping or holding devices disclosed in the drawings arepreferred because they are of simple construction, effective inoperation, and enable the platforms to be adjusted to any number ofpositions. Holding devices provided with pins, bolts, clips, or the likeengageable with notches, apertures, or other spaced devices on thesupporting members could be used without sacrificing all of theadvantages of the invention, but the forms shown in the drawings arethose now preferred.

I claim:

1. In scaffolding, two spaced substantially parallel upright supportingmembers; two clamping devices respectively mounted for substantiallyvertical adjustment on said members and each comprising a first partengageable with one surface on the associated supporting member and asecond part connected to said first part and being engageable with anopposed surface on said associated supporting member and being operableby a downward pull for effecting pressing of said first and secondparts, respectively against said surfaces to clamp said device inadjusted position on said associated member; a platform extendingbetween said supporting members and projecting both forwardly andrearwardly thereof; and suspension means extending between and beingconnected to said second part of each of said clamping devices and saidplatform, both at the front and rear of said platform.

2. In scaffolding, a substantially upright supporting member; upper andlower holding devices mounted for substantially vertical adjustment onsaid member; upper and lower platforms; means suspending said upperplatform from said lower holding device; and means for suspending saidlower platform from said upper holding device, whereby a person standingupon either one of said platforms may easily reach and manipulate theholding device from which the other of said platform is suspended.

3%.: Inlscafioldinaitwo spaced substantiallyapam. al-Iel upright:supporting; membersg: upper; and-z: lower pairs: of holding,.devicesgmounted for. sub: 1 stantially vertical. adjustment on;saidmembers;

- theholding; devices of-eachpair being-mounted res spectively orrsaidsupporting members; upper andl lower platforms;,means suspendingysaidunit platform from said :lower: pair of .holdinadeuicess; and-.-meanssuspending saidtlowerplatfonnfronr: said-x upper pair ofholdingdevices;whereby-Jam person stand-ingmppneither oneofsaid platforms easily reach;and manipulate the;-holding; devices from. whicnthe sother: of a saidplatformss is suspended.

4;. In scaffolding; anruprightsupporting-memw ber; upper and lowerclamp; devices mounted for: substantially vertical adjustment on saidmemberr andeac-hcomprising aflrst partengageable with: one. surface: onsaid. member. and-a; second. part engageable'with. anopposed surface onsaidmem ber and being operable byya downward .pullvfor; effectingpressing "of; said first andzsecoud partsfi respectively;againstsaidsurfaces on said mem ber 'to.-c1 am-p said device in adjustedposition-on: said member; upper and lower platforms; means suspendingsaid upper platform from the second part of said lower clamping device;and means suspending said lower platform from the second part of saidupper clamping device.

5. In scaffolding, two spaced, substantially upright parallel supportingmembers; upper and lower pairs of clamping devices mounted forsubstantially vertical adjustment on said members, the clamping devicesof each pair being mounted respectively on said supporting members, eachclamping device comprising a first part engageable with one surface onthe associated supporting member and a second part engageable with anopposed surface on said member and being operable by a downward pull foreffecting pressing of said first and second parts against said surfaceson said member to clamp said device in vertically adjusted position onsaid member; upper and lower platforms; means suspending the upperplatform from the second parts of the lower pair of clamping devices;and means suspending the lower platform from the second parts of saidupper pair of clamping devices.

6. In scaffolding, an upright supporting member; a clamp device mountedfor substantially vertical adjustment on said member and comprising aU-shaped part having legs extending alongside said member and aconnecting portion behind said member, and a rockable plate partdisposed in front of said member and having a fulcrum offset toward saidmember from a line forming the upper and lower ends of said rockableplate part, said plate part being formed with openings above the fulcrumfor receiving the legs of said U-shaped part, and being formed belowsaid fulcrum with a hinge part; a platform; and means connecting saidhinge part to said platform for suspending the latter.

7. In scaffolding, an upright supporting member; a clamp device mountedfor substantially vertical adjustment on said member and comprising aU-shaped part having legs extending alongside said member and a,connecting portion behind said member, and a rockable plate partdisposed in front of said member and having a fulcrum offset toward saidmember from a line forming the upper and lower ends of said rockableplate part; means connecting the legs of said U-shaped part to the upperend of said plate part; said plate part being formed at its lower endwith a hinge sleeve; a rod pivoted in said sleeve and having its endsprojecting respectively beyond the opposite ends of said sleeve and bentdownwardly; a platform; and suspension members attached to said platformand respectively attached to the downwardly bent ends of said rod.

8. In scafiolding, an upright supporting member; a clamp device mountedfor substantially vertical adjustment on said member and comprising aU-shaped part having legs extending alongside said member and aconnecting portion behind said member, and a rockable plate partdisposed in front of said member and having a fulcrum offset toward saidmember from a line forming the upper and lower ends of said rockableplate part; means connecting the legs of said U-shaped part to the upperend of said plate part, said plate part being formed at its lower endwith a hinge sleeve; a rod pivoted in said sleeve and having its endsprojecting beyond the opposite ends of said sleeve and being bentdownwardly and respectively forwardly and rearwardly; a platform; andflexible suspension members respectively connected between the rear ofthe platform and the rearwardly bent rod end, and between the front ofthe platform and the forwardly bent rod end, whereby each flexiblemember extends substantially in a straight line between its point ofconnection to said platform and the axis of said sleeve.

THOMAS L. WOOD.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PA'IENTS Number Name Date 763,274 Foster June 21, 19041,228,868 Anderson June 5, 1917 1,630,484 Fritts May 31, 1927 1,731,234Bauer Oct. 15, 1929 1,823,385 Barker Sept. 15, 1931 1,829,739 DavidsonNov. 3, 1931 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 277,518 Italy Sept. 11,1930

